SATCAT no. 24713 Bus A2100A Launch mass 2,648 kg Launch date 30 January 1997 Manufacturer Lockheed Martin | COSPAR ID 1997-002A Spacecraft type GE Launch mass 2,648 kg Mission duration 15 years Rocket Ariane 4 | |
Similar AMC‑4, AMC‑6, AMC‑21, Anik F1, Nahuel 1A | ||
GE-2, or AMC-2 (after 2001), is a privately owned American communications satellite launched in 1997. It was the first of the GE Series to be launched outside the United States. It was launched by an Ariane 4 on January 30, 1997 flying from ELA-2, Guiana Space Center alongside another Satellite, Nahuel 1A. It was owned by GE Americom until 2001 when the company was sold to SES (Société Européenne des Satellites). The name of the spacecraft was then changed by SES to AMC 2.
Overview
GE-2 carries 24-Ku-Band and 24 C-Band transponders. It weighs approximately 2,648 kilograms (5,838 lb) fully fueled and has a dry mass of 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lb). It is stationed at approximately 81°W. There is also a plan to relocate the satellite to 96.2 West orbital position and operate there pursuant to Argentine ITU filings. It is powered by two deployable solar panels which charge the batteries. It uses LEROS-1C engines for propulsion.